Mr. Chairman,
Mr. Nishanta and Mr. Li, Representative Delegates of the GDLN Asia Pacific Region,
Members of the Global Development Learning Network,
Colleagues of the GDLN Asia Pacific Region,
Members of the Tanzania Global Development Learning Centre Board present,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.

I feel honoured to be given this opportunity by the Global Development Learning Network (GDLN ) to participate and officiate at the opening of these important GDLN Annual general meetings. A special welcome to our colleagues from Asia Pacific for the trust shown by choosing Tanzania as a venue for their Annual General Meeting deserve a special welcome and applause.

2. Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me also to welcome you all to Tanzania and the Association of the African Distance Learning Centres (AADLC) for choosing our lovely country to be a venue for this 10th AADLC Annual Regional Meeting. Let me assure you that there is a lot of memorable things that you will experience here before you finish your meeting.

2. Mr. President,
I am informed that the AADLC was formed in 2003 right here in Dar es Salaam, groomed in Benin until 2007 when AADLC was mature and officially registered in Tanzania. I congratulate all of you for the efforts you have jointly put to make the Association survive the tests over the time, and today we are witnessing the start of your AADLC meeting. I am also informed that the establishment meeting and the first leadership of AADLC was put in place at White Sands Hotel, the same place we are today. Let me take this opportunity to welcome you back to Dar es Salaam, to welcome you back to where the AADLC was first established. This is also a unique opportunity that our colleagues from Asia Pacific have travelled long distance to witness the AADLC gathering again back where it was established.

3. Mr. President,
I am told that the GDLN is a rapid expanding network that keeps on revising modern technology in order to disseminate knowledge across national boundaries. The network started mainly the Centres in Africa, and that, despite the increase of the centres globally, the number has been not more that 5 in Africa. Let me challenge you to see to it as to how you can put forward strategies to take advantage of these developments.

4. Mr. President,
Furthermore, I am pleased to learn that GDLN with over 120 recognized global affiliates in 80 countries has survived the first ten years of quality services. I am sure you are all proud that through this period, the network has contributed highly in the development of the continent through bridging of geographical barriers, diverse cultures and thinking to foster knowledge transfer across the globe. This is a rewarding experience to witness it happening, and it gives me even more pleasure that Tanzania has been part of the players who have gained for being part of the GDLN family through the Tanzania Global Development Learning Centre (TGDLC), whose Board I am chairing.

5.Mr. President and Dear Participants,
I know that GDLN brings numerous potentials to our continent. These include:

• the power of the best technology that bring communities together to share their knowledge;
• A network that helps Governments to match their capacity development demands in a flexible and cost effective way;
• A flexible way that larger numbers of people can be trained within the limited financial budgets we always survive with; and
• Bringing a blend of convenient and friendly technologies that allow people to interact in real time, clear image and sound.

6. Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen
I understand that the blend of other technologies brought through the network, and the potential that the emerging technologies bring. I am referring to potentials that will be brought when the GDLN Centres innovatively extend the current reach and engagement of stakeholders through internet applications like; online steaming, blogs, twitter, face book and many of the mobile phone technologies.

7. Mr. President,
I have been told, the AADLC Annual Regional Meeting, is the tenth of its kind to be convened since the inception of the Association. Taking into consideration the importance of technology as the mortar for development, the Global Distance Learning Network has transformed modern technology into a catalyst for disseminating knowledge world wide. This situation has enabled the oceans, lands and mountains that were far apart in recent past to be close to each, thanks to the Global Distance Learning Network and the innovations that are associated with its development. Furthermore, knowledge, expertise and rich experiences of policy makers, researchers, academics, and above all government leaders world wide have been immensely made accessible by Global Distance Learning Network. Encourage the AADLC to continue doing the excellent job and continue collaborating with other regions including the Asian Pacific.

8. Mr President,
As I pointed out earlier on, as a Board Chairperson, I am aware of the challenges that GDLN has been facing. Allow me now to share with you the following challenges that I am aware of. These include:

• Fast changing technologies that pose a challenge to cope with;

• Dependence on expertise that do not fully exist in one country or region to manage such a robust network;

• Diverse cultures, management styles and institutional set ups that are unique in all the countries that the Centres are hosted;

• With the landing of sub-marine cable;

• Lack of experienced skills to manage the technologies;

• Emerging competition due to new and evolving technologies. I note that there were many solutions shared during the eLearning Africa Conference exhibition with many that will look same to the eye of a client, who might not understand the quality aspect you treasure; and

• Regional Associations that some are still being served in-kind, without full time fledged personnel and funding.

9. Ladies and Gentlemen
The list of challenges might be long but I have chosen these deliberately so that you may discuss them critically, see the opportunities and strategise on how you can tap into them.

10. Mr. President,
With myriad developments taking place in the technology arena nationally and globally you need to strategically tap into them for example as along the coast of the African continent, giving an upper hand in terms of expanding services efficiently and effectively. It is my hope that you will be able to see the best way to tap into such opportunities, while maintaining the strength you have cherished over the time to live , share and work as a family, the GDLN family.

Furthermore, you need to see how we can tap into the emergence of the converging technologies , especially mobile technologies that will engage and reach those in the rural areas in Africa,

In that way you will be a key player in supporting the paradox facing Governments, in resolving pertinent challenges of fewer numbers of quality teachers and be a model in demonstrating how best the paradox of teacher-student –ration can be resolved through the use of technology you have.

11.Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen,
As I end my speech, allow me to repeat these GDLN Meetings have come at a very opportune moment and put a firm commitment that the TGDLC Board and the Government of Tanzania will follow your deliberations with keen interest as we are sure you will highlight mechanisms for partnerships, knowledge sharing, capacity building and it will drive the Centres to shine and take a leading role globally.

12. Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen,
Lastly, I understand that you have had a marathon of very engaging events since your arrival last week. Please take time to enjoy the Tanzanian hospitality when you finish your meetings, and trust me, it will be worth to utilise the time reflecting and envision the knowledge, skills and the partnerships achieved in the past few days.

I wish you constructive deliberations and now have the honour to declare the AADLC Annual Regional meeting and the Asian Pacific Regional Meeting Officially opened.

Thank You for Your Attention!